Police shut the road at 1am after the strong gusts made it too perilous for traffic using the pass.

New Zealand's toughest criminals are doing yoga behind bars in a bid to reduce recidivism and help turn their lives around.

Were the quakes that struck Wairarapa today and Christchurch last night caused by the weather or planets ... or neither?

Outgoing New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd applauds the appointment of iwi representatives to council in his hometown.

Overseas visitors could face paying a fee to visit national parks

Residents described the second quake, registering 5.2 and 25km deep, as loud, sharp and scary.

MetService says there is a small chance tornadoes will hit the South Island this afternoon as severe thunderstorms lash the country.